In the ever-intense world of Formula 1, rivalries and relationships both on and off the track often make as many headlines as the races themselves. One of the most talked-about dynamics in recent years has been that of Max Verstappen and his various teammates — particularly current Red Bull driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez. But this week, Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s outspoken advisor, stirred the pot once again with his latest comments, and they’re making waves across the paddock.

Marko’s Latest Swipe at Pérez and Others

In a recent interview, Helmut Marko raised eyebrows with his blunt assessment of the talent pool that has surrounded Max Verstappen during his time at Red Bull Racing. While praising Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda, currently racing for RB (Red Bull’s sister team), Marko took what many see as yet another jab at Checo Pérez — and, by extension, other former Verstappen teammates like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon.

“Yuki Tsunoda is the first teammate of Verstappen who can come close to his performance,” Marko declared. “The others never really challenged Max. Yuki is showing potential that we haven’t seen from his predecessors.”

The statement, while aimed at praising Tsunoda, has a clear subtext: the current second driver at Red Bull, Sergio Pérez, is still not delivering the kind of challenge or support Verstappen needs — and perhaps never has.

The Pérez Dilemma

Sergio Pérez has been with Red Bull since 2021, and while he has had some standout moments — including multiple race wins and strong finishes — consistency has often been his Achilles heel. Critics have long argued that Pérez lacks the pace and adaptability to be a true title contender, especially when compared to the relentless and nearly flawless performances from Verstappen.

Marko has publicly criticized Pérez on several occasions, citing his qualifying struggles, his inability to adapt to the car as quickly as Max, and his failure to close the gap when the team needs a strategic 1-2 punch.

Despite these challenges, Pérez remains under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2024 season, though rumors have swirled about possible replacements — including, now, the rising star Tsunoda.

Tsunoda’s Rise in 2024

After a rocky start to his F1 career, Yuki Tsunoda has matured dramatically over the past two seasons. In 2024, he’s been consistently outperforming his RB teammate Daniel Ricciardo and has shown a marked improvement in racecraft, composure, and technical feedback.

Many in the F1 community have taken note of his progress, and Helmut Marko’s endorsement, while controversial, is a signal that Tsunoda may now be seen as a legitimate candidate for a future Red Bull seat.

“It’s not just about raw speed anymore,” Marko added. “Yuki is learning how to work with the engineers, how to read the race, how to handle pressure — all the qualities we want in a Red Bull driver.”

What This Means for Red Bull’s Future

Marko’s comments suggest that Red Bull is not only keeping an eye on Tsunoda but also evaluating their current driver lineup with increasing scrutiny. With Verstappen locked into a long-term deal, the focus now shifts to finding the right teammate — one who can support the team’s ambitions and push Verstappen just enough without disrupting harmony.

If Tsunoda continues to impress, especially with Marko in his corner, the Japanese driver could find himself in serious contention for a Red Bull seat by 2025.

Final Thoughts

Helmut Marko’s latest remarks have once again reignited debates around Sergio Pérez’s future and the overall standards expected at Red Bull Racing. Whether fans see it as tough love or unnecessary provocation, one thing is certain: the competition to sit beside Verstappen is as fierce as ever — and Yuki Tsunoda may have just entered the race.